New Haven Independent

Common Ground hosted 300 first- through fifth-graders from John Martinez, Nathan Hale, Worthington Hooker and Micro Society schools.

Wilcox is a worm lover. She explained that worms enrich and aerate the soil, which makes it possible for crops to grow. She read the kids a story called “Worm Puree” that involved audience participation. Click here to listen to a couple of lively verses.

Wilcox also explained the importance of using organic rather than chemical pesticides so as not to introduce harmful elements into the soil which can be absorbed by plants. “Here at Common Ground,” she said, “we can use the hot peppers that we grow in our garden to cook down and make into a little spread that we put into a jar, and we spritz, spritz, spritz the stuff, and that keeps the bugs off.”

In one of the school’s big garden plots, Nicole Berube from City Seed Farmers’ Market taught the kids about fruits and vegetables grown in Connecticut.

The kids had to stake a picture of the local produce in the soil, and reject produce such as avocados, oranges and lemons (like the card she’s holding).

Meanwhile, another group of kids learned about the wild meadow, and investigating how ground-nesting birds might make use of the long grass.

Rebecca Holcombe, director of community programs, organized this fourth annual event. The weather cooperated this year, unlike in a previous year, when it snowed. She said the event is open to all New Haven public schools. “I send out a letter in November to all science and elementary school teachers, and I can take up to 12 classes in first through sixth grade. The classes here today were the first ones to register.”

The students under the big tent were distracted from the talk of worms, soil and pesticides by the antics of the school’s sheep and goat, who seemed to enjoy butting heads. Holcombe said they were just playing.

She extended an invitation to the Farm Festival on June 10. It will feature hay rides, face painting, visiting with the animals - and sheep shearing.